In today’s episode, Eric is joined by Dr. Ali Arena!  Dr. Ali is passionate about social cognition, language processing, executive functioning, and creating meaningful friendships and relationships.  She is both a speech and language pathologist and a board-certified behavior analyst, has a doctorate degree in educational leadership, is becoming a licensed educational psychologist, and uses a neurodiversity- and trauma-informed lens when working with all clients.   Dr. Ali’s doctorate focus was unique, to say the least, as it addresses the dating intricacies of autistics, which led her to develop her private practice for anyone who wants help socially navigating in their workplace or relationships.  Lastly, Dr. Ali feels social support is a biological necessity and wants to help all neurodivergent individuals to reach wholistic communication.    Find out more and get connected with Dr. Ali at Connection-Squared.com    Questions/Topics:   [00:01:36] Introducing Dr. Ali  [00:03:26] Eric asks Dr. Ali how she got into focusing on relationships and the dating intricacies of neurodivergent people  [00:05:04] Emptying the dishwasher and other themes in neurodivergent relationships [00:06:40] A discussion on parentification [00:07:53] Ways to bring up difficult conversations with a partner  [00:11:31] Cleaning up 99 percent, not assuming negative meanings, and shame responses [00:18:27] Listening, eye-contact, and different ways of processing while listening [00:22:35] “How do you cope with going out to eat in a noisy restaurant?” and other sensory challenges when communicating [00:24:41] Setting yourself up for talking with your partner  [00:26:02] Communicating via text [00:32:47] A discussion on neurodivergent relationships and sex  [00:36:57] Neurodiversity and the LGBTQ+ community  [00:39:00] Explaining neurodiversity as part of one’s identity in a relationship [00:42:54] The impact of being in a relationship with someone who understands your neurodiversity [00:45:31] Finding support for neurodivergent relationships and how to get in touch with Dr. Ali  [00:46:20] One more question for Dr. Ali & closing thoughts    

506 | Neurodivergent Relationships with Dr. Ali Arena

The podcast for adults with ADHD. Hear stories, learn strategies, and get great productivity tips as we talk about the real-life struggles and what it takes to achieve success.  Host, Eric Tivers, LCSW, is a psychotherapist, coach and entrepreneur (with ADHD) in private practice.   Eric interviews a variety of guests. Many are people just like yourself, as well professionals, entrepreneurs, and ADHD experts.

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The team discussed the success of the new coaching program, focusing on the importance of adjusting to the economy and offering affordable opportunities. They also emphasized the need for self-care and work-life balance, with personal anecdotes and reflections shared. Lastly, they reflected on their recent emotional challenge and the progress made in improving boundaries and overcoming workaholic tendencies. And Finally, Eric shared his ADHD moment of the week with group. If you're interested in joining us this summer, add your name to our interest list at

531 | Coaches Round Table S36 Week 1

Today, I have some important updates for those of you interested in our Coaching and Accountability Groups. We still have a few spots open, and I want to make sure you know how you can join us!  First, a quick update: our third section with Kristin is now completely full. Thanks to everyone who signed up! But don’t worry, there are still opportunities to join our other sections. We have a few openings in our early morning section with Brian, which meets Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 8 AM Pacific, that’s 11 AM Eastern. Plus, I personally have one spot left in my section which meets at 11 AM Pacific, 2 PM Eastern. If you're concerned about missing our orientation, let me assure you, it’s not too late to catch up. We’re prepared to get you up to speed quickly so you can fully participate. Now, I need to stress that time is of the essence. Our first actual coaching session kicks off this Monday, and our registration cut-off is this Wednesday. We set this deadline to ensure no one starts too far behind and can get the full benefit of our program from the beginning. You can learn more and begin the pre-registration process by visiting our website at coachingrewired.com. Simply add your name to our interest list on the homepage. Alternatively, you can text me directly at 224-636-3742 for immediate assistance with registration. And remember, enrollment is still just $999, with payment plans available to make it easier for you to join. Don’t miss this chance to gain valuable tools and join a supportive community that understands the challenges and strengths of living with ADHD.

Coaching Groups special announcement Time Sensitive

Welcome, everyone, to a somewhat different episode of the ADHD reWired Podcast. If you’re new here, I'm your host, Eric Tivers, and today we're going to dive into a topic that's both personal and universal. And I’,m gonna get kinda vulnerable with you here. But before we get into that, I wanted to let you know, that our spring Coaching groups which start on thursday, is experiencing lower than typical enrollment this season, which is why with group starting this Thursday, April 11th, 2024, we’re giving you the the chance to join us for only $999. That’s 50% off my section, and $650 off Coach Brian and Coach Kristin’s section. Sign up by this Wednesay, by attending our last registration event wedneday at 12 pm pt / 3 eastern, or by going to coachingrewired.com and scheduling a 1:1 registration interview. Come join us for our lowest price since 2017, only 999. And with if you qualify for paypal credit, you can break it up over 6 months interest free. That’s only $166 a month. It’s the same great program, at a shockingly low price. Go to coachingrewired.com to get started with pre-registration. Add your name to the interest list. And we’ll be in touch. Our episode is titled "When What Was Working, Stops Working," and it's a reflection on the journey of ADHD reWired over the last decade, where we are now, and we’re going to end this short reflection with 10 tips that you can use when what was working, stops working. For those of you who have been with us from the beginning, you know that we've experienced an incredible journey together. We were the #1 ADHD podcast for 8 consecutive years, a title that we held with pride and gratitude. Our coaching groups grew consistently, and we were even featured as one of the innovative programs at the international conference on ADHD back in 2019 and we built a community that has been a source of support, inspiration, and transformation for so many. But as with all journeys, there have been twists and turns, unexpected challenges that have forced us to reevaluate and adapt. In the world of ADHD, this is a familiar theme. We find strategies that work for us, routines that bring stability and productivity, and then, for reasons often beyond our control, those strategies stop working. It can feel like hitting a wall, and it's a feeling that many of us in the ADHD community know all too well. In the past year, ADHD reWired has faced its own set of challenges. The landscape of ADHD support has changed dramatically, with a surge in new podcasts and coaching programs. When I started ADHD reWired in 2014, I beleive there were 7 or 8 other ADHD podcasts. I just counted on apple podcasts, 120 ADHD specefic podcasts! This influx, combined with the economic uncertainties that have affected so many, has made it more difficult for us to fill our coaching groups as we once did. And from talking to a number of other ADHD coaches out there, it looks like this is happening across the board. It's a situation that has prompted a lot of reflection and reevalution and has required me to make some really difficult decisions. For a decade, we've been on a trajectory of growth and success. We've built something truly special. During the peak of the pandemic we were doing 5 groups, and built a team to support this heightened demand. And over the last year or so, things have have changed. Over the last few seasons, due to decreased demand, we’ve went back to 3 groups, and even those have not been easy to completely fill. So we’ve lowered prices, which have helped, but I think between the economy and the current influx of other ADHD programs out there, what was working is no longer working. And, man, it’s hard when when what had been working for so many years, just stops working. But it's also an opportunity, a chance to revisit what we stand for and how we can continue to serve our community in meaningful ways. Our mission has always been to provide a space where individuals with ADHD can come together to learn, grow, and support each other. It's been about more than just strategies and tips; it's been about building a community that understands the complexities of ADHD and offers a sense of belonging. As we navigate this period of change, we're reminded of the importance of resilience and adaptability. We're exploring new ways to reach and connect with our audience, to provide value and support in a changing world. We're looking at how we can innovate both within our coaching groups, and in other ways to ensure that ww continue to meet the needs of our community. And most importantly, we're reaffirming our commitment to you, our listeners and community members. Your stories, your struggles, and your successes are what drive us to do what we do. We're here to navigate the ups and downs of ADHD together, to celebrate the wins and learn from the challenges. So, if you've been thinking about joining our coaching groups, or if you've been a part of our community in the past, know that we're here for you. We're evolving, we're adapting, and we're optimistic about the future. Is it uncomfortable? Sure is. But I still believe that we can do hard things. So "When What Was Working, Stops Working" is not just a reflection on our journey, and a check in about where we are at right now, it's a call to action for all of us to embrace change and continue to grow. And now, I'd like to share with you 10 strategies that can be helpful when what was working stops working: Pause and Reflect: Take a moment to assess what has changed and why the old strategies are no longer effective. Seek Feedback: Reach out to your community or a trusted advisor to get a fresh perspective on the situation. Embrace Flexibility: Be open to trying new approaches and adapting your strategies as needed. Break It Down: Simplify your goals into smaller, manageable tasks to regain a sense of control. Prioritize Self-Care: Ensure you're taking care of your physical and mental health to maintain resilience. Revisit Your Values: Align your actions with your core values to stay motivated and focused. Set Boundaries: Define clear limits to protect your time and energy as you navigate change. Practice Gratitude: Focus on what is working and express appreciation for the progress you've made. Stay Curious: Approach challenges with a mindset of curiosity and a willingness to learn. Celebrate Small Wins and practice gratidue: Acknowledge and celebrate each step forward, no matter how small. And here’s one more: And i’m serious about this one. Don’t struggle alone. Remember, change is an inevitable part of growth. When what was working stops working, it's an opportunity to explore new possibilities and deepen our understanding of ourselves and our journey with ADHD. Want to talk about this or any other ADHD related topics with me? Join us for Tusday’s live q & a. You can register at our newly designed website at www.adhdrewired.com

530 | When what was working stops working

Mix together cello, ADHD, and an insatiable need for sushi, and you get Steven Sharp Nelson–one of the most watched musicians in the world!  A self-titled “dorky dad”, Steven attributes his hard-earned “unlikely” success story to his unending love for helping people feel the worth of their own soul through music.  Name a concert venue–he’s sold it out!  Name an iconic place in the world–he’s filmed a music video there with The Piano Guys!  His content is watched and streamed over 3 million times every day!  He’s performed and spoken to two million people around the world; as much as he loves all of this, his favorite thing in the world is one-on-one time with his wife and each of his four children who “tolerate” and sometimes even love his quirky creative persona!  He is passionate about music education and its critical role in our culture.  Learn More about Steven Sharp Nelson:  Find him on ThePianoGuys.com   Find Steven Sharp Nelson on Instagram @stevensharpnelson  Find The Piano Guys on Instagram @thepianoguys   In this episode, you’ll hear tips, stories, and discussions about:  Steven’s fascination with music’s power and effect on the brain “Perpetual burnout can often be a result of unhealthy hyperfocus and overdriving your overdrive.” - Steven Sharp Nelson Burnout as an indicator of your strengths rather than your weaknesses Practicing the art of self-awareness and healthy hyperfocus vs. unhealthy hyperfocus “A perfect balance does not exist!” Self-suggestibility and attention abundance “Not being present is the easiest way to be depressed.” / “Face down, chin up!”  The parable of the spinning (too many) plates and chronic burnout  The space between the notes / The meaning of life is in between our expectations; the space between our expectations is where we find meaning Music, mutualism, edification, and the role of intention Toxic positivity vs. a genuine desire to appreciate and be grateful “You are like a cello” and navigating our unique gifts, variables, and expressions of ADHD When too many options become too much Cataloging what you’re working on and what you’re not working on The wax and wane of motivation / The muscles of discipline and consistency Book :: Atomic Habits by James Clear (link here)  Removing obstacles between us and the things we’re working towards Hyperfocus, pros and cons, expecting internal pushback, and creating a virtual cliffhanger for yourself  How do you interact with your hyperfocus?  Website :: Arthur Brooks https://arthurbrooks.com  The toxic belief that everything in our lives should “always be on an incline” Arc jumping and how to go from mid-life crisis to mid-life crescendo  Are you bored or are you unfulfilled?  A practice of fulfillment scores and finding out where your next sense of fulfillment will be YouTube Video :: Me and My Cello - Happy Together (Turtles) Cello Cover - The Piano Guys  The importance of becoming friends with your instrument A message to you, our wonderful listeners, from Steven    

529 | Music to my Ears with Steven Sharp Nelson from the Piano Guys

On today’s episode, Clutterbug’s creator Cas Aarssen joins Eric on the podcast!  Cas’s Clutterbug is a home-organizing business which provides education, inspiration, and support to over half a million families worldwide through her YouTube channel, podcast, and various other social media platforms!  Cas is also the author of four best-selling books about organization (listed below)!  As a self-professed recovering “super-slob”, she discovered that through her own journey with clutter, that organization is not one-size-fits-all!  She’s identified four unique organizing styles and developed the Clutterbug method to help individuals discover their type and implement customized solutions that will finally get them organized long-term!   Learn More about Clutterbug:  Check out the website at Clutterbug.com where you can take the free quiz to identify your organizing style!  Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/clutterbug.me/  Instagram @clutterbug https://www.instagram.com/clutterbug_me/  YouTube Channel – search for Clutterbug  Clutterbug’s Tough Love   Find all of Cas’s books here https://clutterbug.me/books   In this episode, you’ll hear tips, stories, and discussions about:  What it was like being a hyperactive girl with ADHD From being 15 years old and homeless to becoming an adult and experiencing serious consequences   How Cas became interested in home organization and being an ADHD mom – “My house was a wreck!”  Big categories vs. small categories and having your house reflect the way YOU organize How an ADHD diagnosis helped change and shift a sense of self  “Maybe I’m doing all this cool stuff because I have ADHD!”  Having higher education does not necessarily mean you can’t be great or do great things, such as having a TV show or having 4 bestselling books  Cas’s four different types of organizing, how you store your things, and how you sort your things Just because you’re a visual person doesn’t necessarily mean you’re a “cluttery” person Turning subconscious tendencies into actionable and functional organization  Visual homes vs. piles and taking advantage of how you naturally sort things  How perfection can turn into procrastination and paralysis  Being detailed and detail-oriented vs. being a perfectionist Learned behaviors, environmental behaviors, and other things that make our organizing styles unique  Containers, bowls, boundaries, and self-awareness  “We are gathering more than our brains can manage.” / “Everything you own is something you have to remember…”  The actual differences between tidying, cleaning, decluttering, and organizing How to start decluttering, the anxiety around getting rid of things, and scarcity mindsets Having a tidy home that fits your organization style is a form of self-love and self-respect  Clutter-blindness / Safety, security, and mindset around money vs. accumulating things Selling on eBay or Facebook Marketplace isn’t always the answer Standing up to your clutter / You are not your stuff!    

506 | Neurodivergent Relationships with Dr. Ali Arena

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